Bill > SF5111

This bill increases the funding available for safe schools revenue, which is money designated for various safety and security measures within schools. Importantly, it expands the eligibility for this revenue beyond traditional school districts to include charter schools, cooperative units (which are organizations formed by multiple school districts to share resources or provide specialized services), nonpublic schools, and Tribal contract schools. The bill specifies that this increased revenue will be calculated at a rate of $36 per pupil unit or enrollment, depending on the type of school, and will be available starting in fiscal year 2027. The funds can be used for a wide range of purposes, including hiring peace officers, implementing drug and gang prevention programs, enhancing school security, supporting mental health professionals like counselors and social workers, improving school climate, and even covering cybersecurity costs. The bill also includes an appropriation to the Department of Education to administer this expanded safe schools aid.